(Ephesians 6:21-22) But I want you to know my situation and what I am doing. Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you. I sent him to you specifically to let you know our situation and to encourage your hearts.
You may not have heard much about Tychicus in the Bible. This is because he doesn’t occupy a large portion of the New Testament.
Paul sent Tychicus to deliver letters to the churches in Ephesus and Colossae, to deliver a collection to support the church in Jerusalem, and to serve in the churches in Crete and Ephesus as Titus’ successor. Looking at this, Tychicus is a man who quietly took on tasks he would rather avoid than attract attention, such as traveling long distances and serving in churches that needed to be attended to by others.
There are people like him in the Church of God. Even if it’s not in the spotlight, even if it’s difficult work, even if no one recognizes it, Tychicus is someone who quietly carries out his work. The Apostle Paul introduces him as “a beloved brother and a faithful servant in the Lord.” When considering not the work that everyone wants to do but the work that everyone wants to avoid, Tychicus was that kind of “faithful servant.”
The Apostle Paul loved Tychicus and thought him special. God loves people like him. Even if they don’t receive much attention or are not flashy, they are indispensable. Many people desire a comfortable position, a place of recognition, a place of attention. A place where they work less and receive much praise. Tychicus challenges us with his life. He asks us to become the person God thinks of when He asks us to entrust them with difficult tasks.
(23-24) Peace and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to the brothers and sisters. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with unwavering love.
Finally, Paul prays that the Ephesian believers may be filled with peace, faith, and love from God and Jesus Christ. He also prays that the Ephesian believers, who have received this love, may continue to love the Lord in response to that love.
Ephesus was truly a large, splendid, and magnificent city. It was also a place rife with worldly values and idolatry. The Apostle Paul prays that the Ephesian believers, called as children of God in such a place, would become people of unwavering, faithful faith and love.
The world we live in today is just like Ephesus, if not even more so, filled with worldly values and a culture of pleasure. Nevertheless, may the grace of unwavering love for the Lord Jesus Christ be with us all in this unending spiritual battle. May we all wear the full armor God has given us, fight with all our hearts, and become victorious until the final day when the trumpet of victory sounds.
Father God, we reflect on our hearts, which have become dull and sluggish, as if the war had ended. When Father God asked, “Who will go for me?”, may we be prepared as precious vessels, like Tychicus, and become God’s people recognized by God the Father as “true workers.” In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
